Speechless Sundays -- A Film By Carlson Muss "19 Red"

My son, Carlson Muss, finally started to put up some of his movies on YouTube.  About freaking time! This is the first movie he made.  19 Red.  I thought to share it with my friends here on  ActiveRain.

Carlson was 16 at the time he made 19 Red.  I watched him work on it . . . setting up the shoot dates, organizing the actors, arranging locations, editing, adding the sound track, etc.  He contacted the Las Vegas Film Convention and Visitors Authority to obtain "B" rolls of film -- that's where he got his "establishing shots."  He was going to edit in some footage of Wayne Newton but it didn't fit, so poor Wayne ended up on the editing room floor, as it were.  Carlson set up shoots at Doernbecher Children's Hospital (a wonderful hospital here in town), and organized catering to feed everyone . . . it was quite the production.  He asked a local talent, Michael Allen Harrison, if he would score 19 Red, but he was busy.  Michael was generous and gave Carlson permission to use anything he wanted to score the film.  Carlson selected the music from Michael's previously recorded work and edited it in.

At that time, Carlson had no formal training in film.   He did, however, attend North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Filmmaking after graduaing high school. 

When I saw a rough finish of 19 Red, without sound, I was amazed.  I asked him in disbelief,"You did that?"  He replied, "It was me baby . . . ALL ME!!"

And it was.  He told me "Mom, you don't know what it's like having so many people help me with this.  They're giving me their time and talent . . . it's a lot of responsibility.  They're adults Mom."

I am so fortunate to have such a good son.  We were blessed that so many people gave of their time and talent so freely and supported Carlson on such a project.  They had faith in him . . . he never made a movie before and yet . . . they were so giving!!  

Carlson knows about hard work . . . which some of the spoiled brats in 19 Red . . . well, just watch and I hope you enjoy.  (BTW, see if you can spot Carlson in a brief cameo appearance!)